Reviews

A good pack for a weekend trip with a few cool features…

A good pack for a weekend trip with a few cool features like the pivoting waist belt and shoulder adjustment latch on the waist belt. The long zip means you can access your gear easily (if not in a pack-liner), but the lack of side or back pockets may annoy you on longer expeditions.

Pros

Suitable for alpine, or hiking on narrow tracks

Pivoting waist belt

Hard back allows air in behind straps

Cons

Pivoting waist belt

Lack of side or front pockets

I am 6'2" and the adjustable shoulder straps are on the longest setting. That said I find the pack comfortable (4/5), and has the benefit of me being able to lend it to a friend and they can adjust it to their desired length.

Capacity is as advertised but if you like to bring smaller luxuries on a trip you have to pack smarter due to the lack of external pockets.

For me the biggest downfall is the lack of pockets + the lack of a specific "hole" for a hydration bladder hose. If you've packed light, you'll be able to reach the hose down from the top of the pack, but if you've fully loaded the pack to the top then the hose won't reach. This means that on a long hike you'll need to stop more frequently to access water, which is annoying. You also need to come up with creative ways to carry maps etc. with no side pockets.

The full length front zip can be great for accessing gear, however if you pack well you don't tend to need this feature much.

The pack is fairly durable, lasted approx 20 weekend trips without incident, carrying 15-20kg. Would recommend keeping your load under 20kg. On day 4 of a hike carrying 24kg a clip on the pivoting waist belt broke and a front strap popped out when someone lifted to move it. Manufacturer replaced without hassle as it was within 1 year of purchase.

Can handle tough weather. Have pack floated down a river with no hassles (make sure you use a liner).

This can be a great pack for you if it suits what you want it for. However if you're an instructor you might want something more hard-wearing with more external pockets.